Seeking Fortune And Avoiding Calamity, Starting From The Heavenly Master's Mansion Chapter 232: Good Intentions Gone Awry - Novel Cool

Chapter 232: Good Intentions Gone Awry

Chapter 232: Good Intentions Gone Awry

The Lin Clan of Youzhou was a formidable force in the northern borderlands, and also one of the oldest and most prestigious families in the Great Tang Dynasty.

The Lin Clan of Jiangzhou was a branch that had migrated south from the Youzhou Lin Clan.

Although the Youzhou Lin Clan had been subdued in recent centuries due to constant friction with the Zhao Wang Estate, their influence remained robust, extending beyond Youzhou.

Their presence was strongly felt throughout the northern border of the Great Tang.

Despite their shared origins, the relationship between the Jiangzhou and Youzhou Lin clans was not amicable.

It was unrealistic to expect the Youzhou Lin Clan to go out of their way to help the Jiangzhou Lin Clan, and the best they could hope for was that they wouldn't make things more difficult for Lin Che and his companions.

On the other hand, if the Jiangzhou Lin Clan wanted to make any significant moves in the north, it was unlikely they could do so without the Youzhou Lin Clan finding out.

Any activity in the Great Northern Black Mountain region would also be noticed by the Youzhou Lin Clan, providing some insight into their actions.

At this, Taiyin Monday asked, "May I ask what specific information you wish to gather about the Youzhou Lin Clan?"

Lei Jun replied, "Are there any large-scale or widespread secret operations they are conducting in the northern borderlands?"

Monday paused for a moment before answering, "Based on my current knowledge, there are no unusual movements. I have only heard that the Youzhou Lin Clan has been somewhat ambiguous in their dealings with the Zhao Wang Estate recently. Additionally, some time ago, the elderly clan head of the Ye Clan in Jinzhou personally visited the ancestral land of the Youzhou Lin Clan."

"Is there any more detailed information?" Lei Jun inquired.

"Not for the time being," Monday replied.

The others remained silent or admitted their ignorance.

Lei Jun continued in a calm tone, "My need for information in this regard is ongoing. If anyone has relevant news, please feel free to contact me."

After he finished speaking, Taiyang Sunday asked, "My question is, who knows the current situation of Fang Jingcheng?"

Changing targets, no longer fixated on Wei Ancheng... Lei Jun thought to himself.

Wei Ancheng did not perish in the South Wilderness War.

However, with his cultivation at the Ninth Heaven Realm, his current best course of action was to once again hide his traces, heal his injuries, and work to alleviate the perilous situation of having the entire world as his enemy.

Even if he recovered from his injuries and re-emerged, he would first have to deal with the infighting within his Blood River Sect, and he would more likely seek revenge against the White Lotus Sect.

Of course, this Lord of the Blood River might also act in an unexpected manner.

But now, he was even more secretive and cautious in hiding his whereabouts, making it difficult for the outside world to find him.

It seemed that Sunday had temporarily set aside the matter of Wei Ancheng and turned her attention to a new target.

Fang Jingcheng.

The contemporary clan head of the Fang Clan of Jingxiang in the Great Tang Dynasty, a distinguished scholar at the peak of the Eighth Heaven Realm.

During the previous Western Regions turmoil that sparked a major war, Fang Jingcheng had personally led a group of powerful clan members to the Western Regions to join the battle.

Although he did not perish in that war, he had sustained serious injuries.

After returning to the ancestral land in Jingxiang and recuperating for many years, he only made occasional appearances. As a result, he had kept a low profile, delegating most of the clan's affairs, both major and minor, to the numerous elders.

Consequently, the Jingxiang Fang Clan had also become more low-key in recent years.

Before the Western Regions War, Fang Jingcheng had been one of the most promising candidates expected to reach the Ninth Heaven Realm.

He was already one of the youngest leaders among the Five Surnames and Seven Families, having earned the titles of child prodigy, genius, and prodigy during his youth, and he had achieved the Upper Third Heaven Realm at a young age.

However, the severe injuries he sustained in the Western Regions War seemed to have halted his upward trajectory.

Nevertheless, Sunday had now taken an interest in this low-key giant who had kept a low profile in recent years.

Upon hearing this, the others naturally began to speculate, wondering if Fang Jingcheng's injuries were not as severe as the outside world believed.

Could it be that the contemporary clan head of the Fang Clan was quietly cultivating, preparing to break through to the Ninth Heaven Realm?

Within the starry sky of the celestial book, the stars shone brightly, but the room fell silent as everyone fell into contemplation.

After a while, Lei Jun snapped out of his reverie and glanced at Taiyang Sunday.

Could she be Empress Zhang Wantong? he wondered. Her questions were certainly tricky, always leaving everyone speechless...

"I'm not familiar with the affairs of Youzhou and Jingxiang," admitted Yinghuo Tuesday, his identity already confirmed by Lei Jun as Shen Quibing. "So, I won't be able to get the answers I want in exchange."

"What is it that you wish to know?" Monday inquired.

Tuesday replied, "Actually, there's quite a lot. I want to know the whereabouts of Wei Ancheng, the leader of the Blood River Sect, and Yang Yuqi, the remnant of the former Sui Dynasty. Oh, and I also want to ask if anyone knows if there is any grudge between the future leader of the White Lotus Sect and Wei Ancheng?"

Lei Jun glanced at Xixing Thursday.

He could confirm this person's identity as well.

He was none other than the future Maitreya of the White Lotus Sect.

As for why he had turned against Wei Ancheng... Lei Daoist Master looked up at the sky, leaving the question hanging.

Thursday, the future Maitreya, spoke in a calm and steady tone, "Regarding the South Wilderness War, I have heard some rumors, but I am not privy to the details, so I cannot answer your questions."

Tuesday, Shen Quibing, sighed in resignation. "Alright..."

Monday spoke up, "The information we desire is becoming increasingly vital and precious, and the answers are not easily obtained. However, looking at it from another perspective, this is a positive development. It indicates that our exchanges and cooperation are gradually deepening."

Thursday, the future Maitreya, remained noncommittal and instead asked, "I would like to know the detailed circumstances surrounding the death of Master Jitong from Dakong Temple. Can anyone enlighten me on this matter?"

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun raised his eyebrows slightly. The Dharma name Jitong sounded vaguely familiar, and after a moment's thought, he recalled the incident where the newly established Academy in the capital had come under attack. The assailants had included disciples of both the Yellow Heaven Sect and Dakong Temple.

The former had severely injured Master Lin Shan, who represented the Celestial Masters' Mansion at the Academy. Fortunately, Lin Shan's life was not in danger, and after a period of recuperation, he had mostly recovered.

As for the latter, they had targeted the Buddhist representative teaching at the Academy, an elder of Tian Long Temple named Master Fashan.

Unlike Lin Shan, Master Fashan had not been so lucky, and he had perished due to the attack by the Dakong Temple disciples.

The one directly responsible for Fashan's death was a Dakong Temple elder named Jitong.

In response to this, Tian Long Temple, the sacred site of the Orthodox Buddhist Sect, had immediately dispatched experts to the capital. Joining forces with powerful individuals from the Tang imperial family, they had launched a campaign to capture and exterminate the rebellious Dakong Temple disciples, ultimately succeeding in their mission.

Jitong had been among those who were killed.

Lei Jun recalled that there had been speculation at the time that Jitong had been directly struck down, allowing Master Fashan of Tian Long Temple to rest in peace.

However, it was unexpected that the future Maitreya would now inquire about this matter.

The White Lotus Sect and Dakong Temple were both considered heretical sects within Buddhism, and they were also known for their rebellious tendencies.

Due to the common enemy they shared and the overall environment, the two sects had cooperated in the past, such as when they had jointly intercepted the new abbot of Vajra Temple on his return to the temple.

However, their relationship could not be described as an alliance. On the contrary, they harbored mutual hostility and wariness, and there had even been conflicts between them.

Lei Jun wondered if the future Maitreya of the White Lotus Sect was going to seek justice for the death of Jitong from Dakong Temple. He kept these thoughts to himself, remaining silent and listening intently.

"I have heard some news about the campaign against Dakong Temple," Monday said thoughtfully. "As far as I know, Jitong perished at the hands of the Tian Long Temple elder, Master Miao Kong. Do you have any doubts about this, sir?"

"I have also heard this," Thursday, the future Maitreya, replied. "However, it is said that this information comes solely from Master Miao Kong, and aside from him, no one else witnessed the event."

Lei Jun thought to himself, It's quite a performance that you can refer to Master Miao Kong of the opposing sect as an elder with a straight face...

At that moment, his gaze shifted from Thursday, the future Maitreya, to Sunday.

Regardless of whether Sunday was the Empress or not, she undoubtedly possessed knowledge of more secrets within the Celestial Text.

Lei Jun wondered if Sunday was already aware of the identities of the other six individuals. He maintained his silence, his expression unchanged.

Monday continued, "It seems unlikely that Master Miao Kong would have any reason to lie."

Aside from the fact that Master Miao Kong's junior martial uncle, Master Fashan, had previously died at the hands of the Dakong Temple disciples, even without that incident, it would have been perfectly normal for Master Miao Kong of Tian Long Temple, the sacred site of Orthodox Buddhism, to strike down Jitong, a heretic from Dakong Temple.

Thursday, the future Maitreya, said, "I have doubts because I heard from another source that when Jitong died, Master Miao Kong of Tian Long Temple was elsewhere, and there are questions about the timing and location."

"Oh? Is that so..." Monday mused.

"In that case, all I can say is that according to my knowledge, it is certain that Jitong of Dakong Temple perished under the power of the Great Divine Might of Tian Long, subdued by Tian Long itself. However, I cannot affirm whether it was Master Miao Kong's Great Divine Might of Tian Long," Monday replied.

"Although it is not as expected, I still appreciate your answer," Thursday, the future Maitreya, said. "Is there anything you wish to inquire about? Feel free to ask me anything you want to know."

"This time, I'm seeking information about a treasure—the Jia Wood Treasure," Monday said.

Thursday, the future Maitreya, seemed hesitant. "The Jia Wood Treasure? I don't have any relevant clues..."

"It's alright," Monday said. "There's no rush. Just keep it in mind, and I will also try to gather more detailed information about Jitong's death."

"Thank you," Thursday, the future Maitreya, said.

Aside from Wednesday, who had not attended the meeting for unknown reasons, another attendee who had mostly listened and spoken little thus far was Saturday. Finally, he spoke up, "I am here today to seek guidance from all of you."

As he spoke, several words appeared within the starlight of Saturday.

The words were neatly written, making them fairly easy to decipher.

Under Saturday's control, the words were arranged in a row, neat and tidy.

They didn't seem to form a complete sentence but appeared to be something he had quoted from elsewhere.

Although the words were isolated, with his current eyesight and intuition, Lei Jun only needed a few glances to sense something amiss.

While he hadn't extensively studied the Confucian teachings of morals and principles, he could still discern a hint of their essence and spirit from these few characters.

However, this essence was rather peculiar.

In contrast to the full and elegant calligraphy, the aura emanating from it was rigidly structured and cold, conveying a sense of inevitability and immutability.

Yet, it lacked the imperial aura associated with emperors and kings of the Tang Dynasty.

Instead, it seemed to be a fusion of countless traditions and historical accumulations, intertwined with the cultural and literary aura.

Lei Jun began to recall his knowledge.

The Five Surnames and Seven Families of the Great Tang Dynasty had all established their legacies through Confucian teachings for many years, but none of their family doctrines seemed to match this style.

These characters seemed to originate from a great Confucian scholar, yet they felt utterly foreign.

However, since Lei Jun was not a Confucian cultivator, he couldn't be sure of his conclusion.

"It doesn't align with the doctrines of the Five Surnames and Seven Families, nor does it resemble the imperial lineage." Sunday spoke with certainty. "Historically, there hasn't been anything like this. Did you create this style of calligraphy and its underlying philosophy yourself?"

Saturday replied, "It's not my creation. While the calligraphy and its essence are unique, they don't resonate with my heart. I chanced upon a calligraphy scroll with this style and meaning, and I've only managed to imitate it partially, achieving about fifty percent similarity. As it feels very unfamiliar to me, I sought your insights."

Sunday remained silent after hearing this.

Lei Jun and the others expressed their amazement, marveling at the scroll for a while before admitting that they had never seen anything like it.

Saturday put away the words, saying, "If any of you come across similar calligraphy or writing styles in the future, please pay attention and let me know. I'd like to express my gratitude in advance."

During this gathering, everyone gained little valuable information.

However, they didn't feel disappointed and bade each other farewell, ending the meeting.

Lei Jun stayed a little longer.

He privately contacted Monday.

"As for the Jia Wood Treasure, I do have something that might be of use." Lei Jun said, "How about Frostbite Immortal Grass? Will that work?"

Jia Wood, or Yang Wood, is the positive wood element, which contrasts with Lei Jun's Yin Lei, or negative wood element.

Lei Jun had obtained a small vial of Clear Frost Elixir from Wang Jingfang, a traitor of the Pure Sun Palace, during his time in the Southern Wastes.

Aside from its pure and vigorous Yang Qi, it also contained abundant wood spirit energy, making it suitable for Jia Wood.

"Qingyang Xuan Frost is exactly what I need."

Monday sighed, "But at the moment, I don't have any more information about the Youzhou Lin Clan to offer you."

Lei Jun said, "It's alright. Our deal stands as long as we're alive."

Monday sighed again, "It seems I need to step up my efforts in gathering information."

He didn't mention what he would do if the Youzhou Lin Clan truly remained inactive for a long time and how he would respond to Lei Jun.

In that case, he could only count himself unlucky.

"In that case, I appreciate your efforts." Lei Jun acknowledged.

Leaving the starry sky of the Celestial Book, Lei Jun fell into silent contemplation for a moment.

Fang Jingcheng, Ji Tong, the ebb and flow of events, the gathering of influential figures, yet the situation remained turbulent despite their efforts.

Lei Jun gently shook his head, suppressing his thoughts and continuing his cultivation.

With direct access to the True One Law Altar, he could now utilize the subtle Nine Abyss True Fire to aid in his artifact refining, even without cultivating the fire technique and law talisman.

Nurtured by the Qiuzhu Blood of the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo Scripture, his foundation had greatly improved.

Lei Jun had decided that once he broke through to the Seventh Tier, he would officially refine this bamboo shoot, transforming it from a magical artifact into his first magical treasure.

There was no need to rush this process for now.

Instead, he focused on adjusting the metal guide rails used to accelerate the Yuan Magnet Sword Pill, taking into account the increasing purity and potency of his spiritual energy.

Previously, when he used them to bombard Elder Tu Dong of the Blood River Sect, the force of the Yuan Magnet was too strong, causing the metal guide rails to warp and deform.

Now was a good time to reforge them.

In the following days, Lei Jun continued his cultivation.

One day, his junior martial brother, Chu Kun, suddenly came to find him.

"Senior Brother, do you have any high-grade, high-quality spiritual talismans with great power on you at the moment?" Chu Kun asked.

Lei Jun asked, "Why? Are you planning to go out?"

Chu Kun nodded. "I'm considering going on a journey."

With his current cultivation level, he couldn't create high-grade, high-quality spiritual talismans.

With Wang Guiyuan away from the mountain and Yuan Mobai in seclusion, Chu Kun naturally sought Lei Jun's help.

Given his character, he was probably not planning a real mountain journey, but Lei Jun didn't ask further and trusted that this junior martial brother knew his limits.

Lei Jun was about to agree when the light bulb in his brain suddenly started flashing, and words appeared:

> Good intentions can lead to bad outcomes, and good intentions can breed disasters. The safety of friends and family hangs by a thread.

Along with this warning were three fortune-telling signs:

> A moderately good fortune: Give Chu Kun a middle-grade, high-quality spiritual talisman. There is an opportunity to obtain a fourth-grade opportunity, no risk, no trouble, auspicious.

> A moderate fortune: Do not give Chu Kun a spiritual talisman. There is no additional gain or loss, neutral.

> A moderately bad fortune: Give Chu Kun an ultra-grade or top-grade, high-quality spiritual talisman. There is no additional gain, no immediate risk, but hidden dangers lurk, inauspicious.

(End of Chapter)

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